Newman flags potential for local board to run Karumba Port

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has suggested the creation of a new, independent board to take over the running of the Karumba Port on the state's western Cape York Peninsula.

The Government-owned Ports North currently manages the port from its base in Cairns.

The Karumba Port was identified as an area with potential development in a study Mr Newman launched yesterday.

He says the port could be expanded under local control.

"That might be the real catalyst in allowing them to go out and find the opportunities and really be productive and business focused," he said.

"That's what you need in a port and maybe Karumba can really fly in a way that it hasn't in the past if it's under local authority and management - the mayors of the region or some local but independent board."